Count it all joy 

 

Joy being not fleeting happiness due to circumstances, but a deep-seated sense of well-being rooted in faith, knowing that “God’s got this.” Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

 

He addresses them as “my brothers.” They aren’t his literal, earthly brothers, but brothers and sisters in Christ. He is emphasizing close unity as Christians.

 

When you meet trials of various kinds.

 

My emphasis is on “when,” because we will all have difficulties, and living out a life in Christ takes courage and faith. Our Christian journey may be difficult at times with“various kinds” of trials: problems and temptations, persecution and difficulties, disappointments and heartbreaks, grief and loss. Trials are any event or circumstance that challenges our faith and serves as a means to strengthen us and draw us closer to God.

 

for you know that the testing of your faith

 

Testing is the trials and challenges that God orchestrates in our lives refine and strengthen our faith and character. He doesn’t make bad things happen, but He does allow them, even in His beloved children’s lives.  Bad things are a reality in our sinful, fallen world. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” He allows our faith to be refined into a strong and beautiful trust in Him only. 

 

Testing could also refer to temptations; however, temptations are due to our own sinful nature. Later James says, in verses 14-15, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”  Either way, trials and testing are a difficulty that will either refine us or lead to sin.

 

Trials are not arbitrary; they are a divine appointment by God to draw us to Him. They allow us to experience His protection and care. See how sweetly He keeps our tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8); not one of them is wasted!

 

produces steadfastness.

 

Steadfastness is perseverance, and it is a virtue in the Christian’s life. It’s the ability to remain faithful, no matter life’s twists and turns, no matter when God seems silent, no matter when our world is shattered. It also has the idea of endurance or patience. Interestingly, joy and patience are listed as two of the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” 

 

Romans 5:3-5 describes the process of suffering that produces endurance and character, resulting in hope: “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” 

 

And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete

 

Trials are necessary to mature us as believers and grow our faith. The goal of perseverance in our trials is spiritual maturity, being fully developed in faith and character. This does not necessarily reflect the physical age of the person, however. The process of becoming mature and complete is called “sanctification.” Spiritual maturity is evidenced in Christlike behavior, thoughts, and words. We will model love above all things, as a mature Christian. 

 

Remaining steadfast, patient, and faithful is challenging in and of itself. Walking through our darkest moments is scary. But it is a Divine Appointment to express to God our faith in Him and our hope in Jesus. Sometimes it is easier to look on our difficulty as though it were from “outside” the problem, with an eternal perspective. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 encourages, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

 

lacking in nothing.

 

Oh dear Believer, when you hit rock bottom, when your world is upside down with despair and grief, you certainly feel lacking in tackling your problem and dealing with the mess. Remember that the Lord is near the brokenhearted and those whose spirits are crushed (Psalm 34:18).

 

When you let perseverance do its work as you remain faithful, you will find yourself equipped for everything you need. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,  by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” 

 

You can face your trials with faith and confidence, because when your tragedy happens, your catastrophe lands, you know that it’s a Divine Appointment with God to hold His sweet hand and allow Him to gently nurture you and guide you. He has your wellbeing in mind, and he knows the best for you, although we can’t often see it in the moment. When you come out the other side and you can look back with confidence that you had joy in your circumstances, rooted in faith in God, the assurance of His promises, anchored in the hope of Jesus Christ, you know your Divine Appointment with Him was a gift. Joy can and does coexist with hardships; allow God to gently lead you into a deeper and sweeter relationship with Him. 

 

Further reading: 2 Corinthians 4